BAKU—Azerbaijan is poised to increase its natural gas exports significantly by transitioning to renewable energy, with an anticipated saving of 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas by 2030, according to Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov.
According to Trend News Agency, speaking at the 12th Caspian Energy Forum in Baku, Zeynalov detailed how these gas savings would arise from the displacement of natural gas currently used in thermal power plants by renewable energy sources. This transition will not only reduce domestic gas consumption but also increase the volumes available for export. “Thermal power plants use this volume of equivalent gas to generate electricity at present, but when renewable energy sources are more widely used, this volume will be liberated for other uses,” Zeynalov explained.
The Deputy Minister further noted that with an expected increase in green energy production, Azerbaijan could see gas savings reach 800 million cubic meters as early as 2027. These developments are part of Azerbaijan’s broader goal to achieve 30 percent of its electricity generation from alternative and renewable sources by 2030. Current progress suggests that this target could be surpassed, with projections showing that the percentage might reach 32.5 percent by 2027 and 35 percent by 2030.
This strategic shift not only aims to enhance Azerbaijan’s energy sustainability but also positions the country to leverage its natural gas reserves more effectively in the global market.